Is IGCSE Psychology Hard?: A Teacher’s Perspective

Picking your IGCSE options can feel a bit overwhelming - especially when you're looking at subjects you haven’t studied before. If IGCSE Psychology has caught your eye, you might be asking yourself, “Is IGCSE Psychology hard?” You’re definitely not the only one wondering that!

As someone who’s been teaching psychology for over ten years, I’ve seen lots of students start off unsure about what to expect. The good news? Psychology at IGCSE level isn’t automatically ‘hard’. Like any subject, it can be challenging — but if you're curious about people and willing to work hard, you can do well. And I’m here to support you along the way.

Is IGCSE Psychology Hard?

IGCSE Psychology is a fascinating and scientific subject that dives into a wide variety of topics. You’ll learn how memory works. You’ll look at how we understand the world around us. You’ll also study why people help others. Psychology also teaches you how to study people. You’ll learn about quantitative research methods (involving numbers) and qualitative research methods (involving words).

While IGCSE Psychology can be demanding at times, it’s definitely doable with the right mindset and study habits.

Some students find IGCSE Psychology “hard” for a few reasons:

• There’s a lot to learn—key studies, important vocabulary, theories, and how to evaluate them

• Research methods come with their own set of terms, and knowing when to apply them takes practice

• Analysing and critiquing studies and theories can feel like a lot to take in

Regular revision and active recall can really make a difference. Getting used to exam-style questions and keeping your revision consistent throughout the course will help you feel more confident and will boost your chances of getting a top grade.

Amount of content

Many students find the amount of content in IGCSE Psychology very demanding. There’s quite a bit to take in — key studies, theories, and research methods all come with specific details that need to be learnt and remembered accurately.

• For example, both the Cambridge and Oxford AQA IGCSE Psychology courses include seven main topics, and each of those is divided into smaller subtopics

The way the course is structured means you can build your knowledge step by step. As you progress, you’ll start to see how the topics connect. To stay on top of the content, it really helps to revise regularly and test yourself without notes. This is a great way to make sure the information sticks.

Getting to grips with complex ideas

Certain areas of the course, such as biopsychology or motivation theories, can be tricky to understand at first. Each theory, study, and research method you cover will ask you to think deeply, question ideas, and analyse information critically.

This way of thinking can be hard at first. But don’t worry; like any skill, your understanding of psychology and your ability to think on a higher level will grow the more you practice. Over time, things that once seemed confusing will start to click.

Putting knowledge into practice

In the exam papers, you’ll often be asked to apply your psychological knowledge to novel scenarios. This can be tough at first because applying knowledge is a step beyond just remembering facts. It’s a harder skill that takes time to learn. But if you practice often, you’ll get better and feel more confident in tackling these kinds of questions.

Research methods and data

When planning a study, psychologists have many things to think about. They need to make sure the study is valid, reliable, and ethical. They must also choose how to conduct a study,  e.g., using experiments, observations, surveys, interviews, or case studies. Knowing which method to use, how to apply it properly, and how to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses can be quite demanding.

Psychology also involves working with data—this includes doing calculations and analysing results. If you’re not completely comfortable with numbers or scientific thinking, this part can feel a bit intimidating at first. But with guidance and practice, it becomes much more manageable.

Tackling extended writing questions 

Answering extended writing questions in IGCSE Psychology can be a bit of a challenge. These questions aren't just about what you know — they also test your ability to apply or evaluate psychological concepts, theories, and studies. In some cases, you’ll also need to show your understanding of research methods by planning an experiment.

Managing your time in the exam

In my experience, time management is one of the most common challenges students face in IGCSE Psychology exams. Many students feel under pressure to finish all the questions within the time limit, especially when trying to achieve a high grade.

These timing issues often come from not fully understanding what each question is asking or including too much unnecessary detail. The key to improving this is regular revision, practicing past paper questions, and learning how to plan your time effectively during the exam. With enough preparation, you can answer confidently and make the most of the time available.

How to Overcome the Challenges of IGCSE Psychology

Meeting the demands of IGCSE Psychology starts with a clear plan and a willingness to stay on track:

Staying organised with revision

I always encourage my students to begin their revision as early as possible. Giving yourself plenty of time to review the material is far more effective than trying to cram everything in right before the exams. Creating a revision timetable can help you break the content into smaller, more manageable chunks and keep you on track.

Try to build a routine of completing short revision tasks regularly throughout the year. This approach makes exam preparation feel less stressful and gives you more time to focus on sharpening your exam skills. Your revision should centre around fully understanding the key studies, theories, research methods, and how to evaluate them.

Effective revision techniques

One of the most common questions students ask is, “How should I revise?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone learns differently. Try out a few different approaches until you find what helps the most, depending on what you're revising.

Here are some useful techniques to get you started, based on different learning styles:

• Visual learners: Try using mind maps, flow charts, and colour-coding. These tools are especially useful for visualising models such as the multi-store model of memory

• Auditory learners: Record yourself talking about a topic or watch videos. Teaching someone else also helps you understand better

• Kinaesthetic learners: Use physical activities like creating models or acting out experiments. This is particularly helpful when revising research methods, where hands-on understanding makes a real difference

You’ll also find lots of valuable revision tips and resources in the Save My Exams Learning Hub—it’s a great place to explore as you plan your study approach.

Retrieval Practice

In my experience as both a teacher and a student, retrieval practice is an effective way to revise. Studies show that just re-reading, highlighting, or summarising doesn’t result in effective recall.

What is retrieval practice?

• Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information from memory without using notes

  • For example, after learning about memory theories, close your book and try to list everything you remember

• Make this even more powerful with spaced practice

  • Spread your revision over time—revisit topics regularly instead of cramming. This strengthens memory and improves long-term retention.

Why it works:

• It strengthens memory by reinforcing neural connections

• It highlights gaps in knowledge so you know what to focus on

• It builds confidence as you see real progress

Simple retrieval strategies to try:

• Flashcards: Use them for quick recall on the go

• Self-testing: Write or say what you remember, then check your notes

• Practice questions: Try past paper questions and use mark schemes, or ask your teacher for feedback. Gradually build up to timed answers.

The more often you practice retrieving information, the easier it will be to recall it during your exams.

Use a range of resources

Avoid depending on just one textbook. Use different tools like online notes, videos, and guides. They can help you understand better and make complex ideas easier to grasp.

Don’t forget examiner mark schemes and reports — they're incredibly useful for improving your exam technique. These reports highlight common mistakes and show what examiners are looking for. You can find them easily on your exam board’s website.

Practice Past Papers

Using past papers is one of the best ways to prepare for your IGCSE Psychology exams. Here’s how to make them work for you:

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute — use past papers throughout your revision to get familiar with the format, question types, and timing

• Practice like it's the real exam: Time yourself to get used to working under pressure. This helps you manage your time

• Use mark schemes: Check your answers. See how marks are given, especially for longer questions

• Review your mistakes: Reflect on where you went wrong — did you misread the question, forget key terms, or run out of time?

• Target weak spots: Focus your revision on areas where you consistently lose marks, such as research methods or evaluation

• Structure extended answers: Practice planning and writing extended responses clearly and logically

• Track your progress: Keep a log of your results to see where you're improving and where you still need work

Regular practice with past papers will sharpen your exam technique, improve timing, and boost your confidence.

Prioritise Research Methods

Research methods are a key part of IGCSE Psychology, no matter which exam board you’re studying. They appear in both short and extended questions and test your understanding of how psychological studies are carried out. A strong grasp of research methods will help you tackle a large part of the exam with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard Is It to Get a 9 in IGCSE Psychology?

Getting a 9 in IGCSE Psychology is definitely achievable — but like any top grade, it requires consistent effort, smart revision, and strong exam technique. A grade 9 shows not just knowledge but mastery. That means answering confidently, precisely, and with depth. If you're motivated, organised, and use the right strategies, a 9 is absolutely within reach.

Is IGCSE Psychology Hard to Pass?

IGCSE Psychology can seem challenging at first as there’s a lot to learn, including key studies, theories, and research methods. You’ll also need to apply what you’ve learned, not just memorise it. While IGCSE Psychology isn’t an "easy pass," it’s absolutely passable with steady effort, good revision habits, and a genuine interest in the subject. Many students who are consistent throughout the course achieve strong results.

Is Psychology a Good Option for IGCSE?

Absolutely – IGCSE Psychology is an excellent option if you're interested in understanding how people think, feel, and behave. It helps you develop important skills like critical thinking, analysing information, writing clearly, and understanding how research is carried out. These skills are valuable across many subjects and future career paths.

If you enjoy exploring ideas and are prepared to put in consistent effort, IGCSE Psychology can be a really engaging and rewarding subject to study. It’s both thought-provoking and academically beneficial.

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References

Cambridge University Press & Assessment (2024) Cambridge IGCSE™ Psychology 0266, Version 2: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/718092-2027-2029-syllabus.pdf (opens in a new tab) Accessed  27 March 2025

Oxford International AQA Examinations (2023) Oxford AQA International GCSE Psychology (9218), Version 1.1: https://www.oxfordaqa.com/qualifications/international-gcse-psychology/ (opens in a new tab) Accessed 27 March 2025